Grizzly Knife Belt Sander / Buffer? Anyone have one? Plus Pics.

[DUKE DEADEYE NUKEM]

I'm thinking this should work for me.






Description
Although we call this a "Knife Belt Sander", it is actually a very versatile sander with many different woodworking uses. Auxiliary arbor accepts buffing wheels, sanding drums or flap wheels. Belt can be changed in seconds with quick-release mechanism. Belt arm can be fully tilted. Without a doubt, this is the best knife belt sander around.
Features:

•Belt size: 2" x 72"-76" range
•Belt speed: 3600 FPM
•Motor size: 1 H.P. single phase 110V
•Motor speed: 1725 RPM
•Right arbor size: 5/8" x 8"
•Left arbor size: 1" x 8-1/2"
•Height with belt arm horizontal: 11-1/2"
•Height with belt arm vertical: 39"
•Overall width: 29-1/2"
•Cast iron body
•All ball bearing construction
•Shipping weight approx.: 110 lbs.
(Buffing wheel not included).

Price: $450.00
Freight:* $74.00
Your Price:** $524.00
http://grizzly.com/products/Knife-Belt-Sander-Buffer/G1015

[DUKE DEADEYE NUKEM]

I also have this machine from Harbor Freight. It hogs out 2 inch oak radiuses like butter and oscillates while it sands. $80.00. It comes with 6 sizes of sanding drums all the way down to 1/2 in and 60-320 grit.





Like Kat.  


Huge pics.
http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/VELVET%20CURTAINS/BRACKET3.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/VELVET%20CURTAINS/BRACKET4.jpg

http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/VELVET%20CURTAINS/BRACKET1.jpg


http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/LEVERACTIONSHOOTERS/VELVET%20CURTAINS/032.jpg

[Dave Cole]

The Grizzly is ok for an entry level maker but it is hardly the best sander out there as they say.The speed is the biggest problem, as it is very fast, ok for coarse bad for finishing.Hollow grinding is all but useless due to the proximity of the motor.It also could use a larger platten and table.That said, many a knife has been made with them, they are cheap and ok for the small output hobbiest.Another one to look at which is another level up is the Coote grinder, you will have to buy the motor seperate which can be a plus and the Coote solves the other problems.Also you could upgrade to a Variable speed setup with the Coote, something not available with the Grizzly.
Going to the next level is quite a bit more money, with the KMG, Bader and Burr-King units .

Anyways have some fun and be safe.Dave

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[DUKE DEADEYE NUKEM]

The Grizzly is ok for an entry level maker but it is hardly the best sander out there as they say.The speed is the biggest problem, as it is very fast, ok for coarse bad for finishing.Hollow grinding is all but useless due to the proximity of the motor.It also could use a larger platten and table.That said, many a knife has been made with them, they are cheap and ok for the small output hobbiest.Another one to look at which is another level up is the Coote grinder, you will have to buy the motor seperate which can be a plus and the Coote solves the other problems.Also you could upgrade to a Variable speed setup with the Coote, something not available with the Grizzly.
Going to the next level is quite a bit more money, with the KMG, Bader and Burr-King units .

Anyways have some fun and be safe.Dave

Thanks for the heads up Dave. So this one looks better. http://www.cootebeltgrinder.com/prices.html

T

[Dave Cole]

In my opinion ,it is.It's much more versatile, as you can pick your motor size and can use step pullies to make it somewhat Variable speed.It also allows you the opportunity to upgrade the motor and get a VSD and have a true VS unit.It is a bit more by the time you buy a motor and pullies but  you get a much better grinder.Having slower speeds allows much better finishing.Dave

[Josh Dabney]

No need to repeat everything Dave said, LOL.

But his his comments are DEAD on !.  Being able to slow the grinder down is VERY important.  Can you make knives on the Grizzly... sure.  Nice ones, Yup.   Will it be the MOST difficult way to accomplish making a knife blade, yes to that too,  LOL.

I think it may be a good idea for a beginner to get a 1x42 grinder (around $150)  wich will give you the same ability to make knives as the grizzly while saving up for a Pro quality grinder.   Everyone who has a small grinder like this say they still use it all the time after upgrading so it won't be a waste of money owning it.  Mostly makers use the 1x42 for handle shaping and sharpening purposes after upgrading but you'll find it a big time saver having that little grinder in the future.

That's my take on it,   Josh